We’re often asked why we think it is so important for our patients to come in for regular dental cleanings. Poor oral hygiene has been proven to lead to several dental and medical problems. Below, we’ve put together 7 important reasons to have regular cleanings at your dentist:
- Several recent studies have linked gum disease with heart disease. Having a dental cleaning every 6 months unquestionably reduces strokes and heart disease.
- Keep your teeth clean, and you will KEEP your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of adults losing their teeth. Brushing and flossing do help, but a good dental cleaning is essential.
- The hygienist is a key dental person to keep an eye on your dental health. In addition to doing good cleanings, she can spot tooth problems (broken fillings, cavities) before they become bigger problems.
- Dental cleanings are usually completely covered by insurance. So, if you have insurance, take advantage of the benefits you deserve and are paying for.
- Having a brighter, clean smile has been shown to help us both socially, and in business. Looking to get that good job? Expect to be around people? Having cleaner teeth with fresh breath is a big plus.
- Regular cleanings prevent bad breath. Persistent bad breath has been often linked to poor oral hygiene. Regular cleanings will remove the tartar, plaque, and stain that cause many of the bad odors associated with “halitosis”.
- Last but not least. We all need to be aware that oral cancer exists all too often. The American Dental Association says that one person in the U.S. loses their life every hour to oral cancer. The well trained hygienist and the dentist are trained to spot oral lesions at their early stages. So, you may come in for “just a cleaning,” but it could save your life.
The main goal of general dentistry at our Long Island practice is to keep the mouth clean and healthy in order to prevent serious dental problems. To achieve this goal, we recommend that patients schedule dental exams a minimum of once every six months. At these appointments, we can monitor oral health, provide soft-tissue management, and recommend any necessary cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry treatments.
For more information on preventative dentistry treatment, click here. Or, click below to schedule an appointment today.
Photo credit: © Ned Frisk/Corbis
